Device for retaining materials

ABSTRACT

The device for retaining materials, includes a retaining structure configured to retain materials; a fastening assembly intended to be fastened to an upstream anchoring point and configured to connect the retaining structure to the upstream anchoring point, the fastening assembly comprising a plurality of connecting elements, each connecting element being flexible and elongate, and comprising a first end portion connected to the retaining structure and a second end portion intended to be connected to the upstream anchoring point; and at least one holding element configured to hold the retaining structure in position and comprising a first end portion connected to the retaining structure and a second end portion intended to be connected to a downstream anchoring point disposed downstream of the retaining structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage of PCT Application No. PCT/FR2016/053278 filed on Dec. 8, 2016, which claims priority to French Patent Application No. 15/62538 filed on Dec. 16, 2015, the contents each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns a device for retaining materials intended in particular to protect roads, buildings or any other sensitive structure in particular against avalanches and/or rock falls.

BACKGROUND

The document EP 1 728 924 discloses a device for retaining solid materials, such as snow or soil, comprising:

-   -   a retaining structure comprising a retaining net intended to         retain the solid materials, and     -   a fastening assembly including an upstream fastening element         intended to be fastened to an upstream anchoring point disposed         upstream of the retaining structure, a central retaining bar         arranged to connect the retaining structure to the upstream         fastening element, and a plurality of metallic connecting         cables, each connecting cable including a first end fastened on         the retaining structure and a second end fastened on the         retaining bar.

The connecting cables and the retaining bar allow holding the retaining structure in position with regards to forces applied on the retaining structure from upstream to downstream, whereas the retaining bar allows holding the retaining structure in position with regards to forces applied on the retaining structure from downstream to upstream, and therefore preventing the retaining structure from folding down upstreams.

However, such a configuration of the retaining device has revealed some limitations in particular topographic configurations and for particular external loads. In particular, when the matter retained by the retaining structure becomes too dense or too thick, the forces applied on the retaining bar by this matter are likely to cause a bending of the retaining bar, which may be accompanied by a breakage of the linkage between the retaining structure and the retaining bar.

Yet, such a bending of the retaining bar induces a modification of the orientation of the retaining structure with respect to the ground, which affects the retention of the materials by the retaining structure, and therefore the reliability of the retaining device. Furthermore, when such a bending is accompanied by a breakage of the linkage between the retaining structure and the retaining bar, the retaining structure is likely to fold down upstreams, which also affects the reliability of the retaining device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention aims at overcoming these drawbacks.

The technical problem at the origin of the invention consists therefore in providing a device for retaining materials which has a simple, economical and reliable structure.

To this end, the present invention concerns a device for retaining materials, including:

-   -   a retaining structure configured to retain materials,     -   a fastening assembly intended to be fastened to an upstream         anchoring point disposed upstream of the retaining structure and         configured to connect the retaining structure to the upstream         anchoring point, the fastening assembly comprising a plurality         of connecting elements, each connecting element being flexible         and elongate, and comprising a first end portion connected to         the retaining structure and a second end portion opposite to the         respective first end portion and intended to be connected to the         upstream anchoring point, the connecting elements being         configured to form, under conditions of use, a pyramidal         structure whose apex is oriented in the direction of the         upstream anchoring point, and     -   at least one holding element configured to hold the retaining         structure in position, the at least one holding element         comprising a first end portion connected to the retaining         structure and a second end portion opposite to the respective         first end portion and intended to be connected to a downstream         anchoring point disposed downstream of the retaining structure.

Such a configuration of the retaining device allows ensuring position holding of the retaining structure via the connecting elements with regards to forces applied on the retaining structure from upstream to downstream, and via the at least one holding element with regards to forces applied on the retaining structure from downstream to upstream. Thus, these arrangements ensure an optimum reliability of the retaining device according to the invention.

Such a configuration of the retaining device also allows lightening the retaining device thanks to the removal of the central retaining bar, while suppressing the drawbacks related to its presence.

For example, the retaining device according to the invention may be used as a device for protecting against avalanches and/or rock falls.

The retaining device may further present one or more of the following features, considered separately or in combination.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one holding element is configured to prevent a displacement, and in particular a pivoting, of the retaining structure from downstream to upstream.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the central portion of the retaining structure is devoid of any rigid connecting element over its face intended to be turned toward the upstream anchoring point.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fastening assembly comprises an upstream fastening element intended to be fastened to the upstream anchoring point, each connecting element being configured to connect the retaining structure to the upstream fastening element. Advantageously, the second end portion of each connecting element is connected to the upstream fastening element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the upstream fastening element is connected to the retaining structure only by the connecting elements.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the upstream fastening element is only connected to lateral portions of the retaining structure.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fastening assembly is constituted by the upstream fastening element and the connecting elements.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fastening assembly is devoid of any retaining bar arranged to retain the retaining structure and to connect the retaining structure to the upstream anchoring point, and more particularly arranged to connect the retaining structure to the upstream fastening element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second end portion of each connecting element is fastened directly to the upstream fastening element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one holding element is flexible and elongate.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one holding element is a holding cable. For example, the or each holding cable may be metallic.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a plurality of holding elements, each holding element comprising a first end portion connected to the retaining structure and a second end portion opposite to the respective first end portion and intended to be connected to the downstream anchoring point disposed downstream of the retaining structure.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a downstream fastening element intended to be fastened to the downstream anchoring point, the at least one holding element being configured to connect the retaining structure to the downstream fastening element, the second end portion of the at least one holding element being connected to the downstream fastening element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises a holding assembly including the at least one holding element and the downstream fastening element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fastening assembly is disposed at a first side of the retaining structure, and the at least one holding element is disposed at a second side of the retaining structure opposite to the first side.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each connecting element is formed by a link cable. For example, each link cable may be metallic.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure comprises at least one retaining element configured to retain materials, and first and second support elements configured to support the at least one retaining element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first end portion of each connecting element is connected to one of the first and second support elements.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fastening assembly comprises first and second pairs of connecting elements, each connecting element of the first pair being connected to the first support element and each connecting element of the second pair being connected to the second support element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second support elements extend substantially parallel to each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure includes a plurality of retaining elements extending substantially parallel to each other.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining elements extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the first and second support elements.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is fastened on each of the first and second support elements. Each retaining element may be fastened on each of the first and second support elements for example by screwing or via U-shaped fastening calipers.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each retaining element is a retaining beam. For example, each retaining beam is made of wood.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second support elements is elongate.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second support elements is or includes a support beam. For example, each support beam may be made of wood or be metallic.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure has a quadrangular general shape.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure extends substantially according to a retaining plane.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure includes first and second bearing elements configured to bear on the ground.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second bearing elements are disposed respectively on the first and second support elements.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second support elements includes first and second fastening portions shifted with respect to each other, the connecting elements of the first pair being connected respectively to the first and second fastening portions provided on the first support element, the connecting elements of the second pair being connected respectively to the first and second fastening portions provided on the second support element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the first and second fastening portions provided on the first support element is substantially identical to the distance between the first and second fastening portions provided on the second support element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second fastening portions of each of the first and second support elements includes a fastening member on which is fastened the first end portion of the respective connecting element. For example, each fastening member may be pivotally mounted on the respective fastening portion about a pivot axis. For example, each fastening member may delimit a retaining passage receiving the first end portion of the respective connecting element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each fastening member is a fastening shackle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first fastening portion provided on the first support element is disposed in the proximity of the first bearing element, and the first fastening portion provided on the second support element is disposed in the proximity of the second bearing element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining device comprises two holding elements, one being connected to the second fastening portion provided on the first support element, the other being connected to the second fastening portion provided on the second support element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each second fastening portion includes a first fastening leg on which is fastened the respective connecting element, and a second fastening leg on which is fastened the respective holding element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second fastening legs of the same second fastening portion are oriented substantially opposite to each other. For example, each first fastening leg is intended to be turned substantially toward the upstream anchoring point and each second fastening leg is intended to be turned substantially toward the downstream anchoring point.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each first fastening portion includes a fastening leg on which is fastened the respective connecting element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure comprises a first reinforcing element configured to connect the first fastening portion provided on the first support element to the second fastening portion provided on the second support element, and a second reinforcing element configured to connect the second fastening portion provided on the first support element to the first fastening portion provided on the second support element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second reinforcing elements is flexible and elongate.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second reinforcing elements is a reinforcing cable, for example metallic.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element is disposed at the side of the fastening assembly with respect to the first and second support elements, and therefore at the side of the upstream anchoring point.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining element is a retaining net.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second support elements are interlaced and form a cross.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Anyway, the invention will be better understood from the following description with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing, as non-limiting examples, several embodiments of this device for retaining materials.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for retaining materials according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged views of two details of the retaining device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the retaining device of FIG. 1 in the use position.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the retaining device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device for retaining materials according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are enlarged views of two details of the retaining device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the retaining device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device for retaining materials according to a third embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 5 represent a first embodiment of a retaining device 2 configured to retain solid materials, such as soil, snow and gravel.

The retaining device 2 comprises a retaining structure 3 with a rectangular general shape and extending substantially according to a retaining plane. According to the first embodiment, the retaining structure 3 comprises a plurality of retaining elements 4 extending substantially parallel to each other. The retaining elements 4 are associated in pairs, so that two retaining elements 4 of the same pair are disposed side by side, and each pair of retaining elements is located at a distance from an adjacent pair. For example, each retaining element 4 may be formed by a retaining beam which may in particular be made of wood.

The retaining structure 3 also comprises first and second support elements 5, 6 configured to support the retaining elements 4. According to the first embodiment, the first and second support elements 5, 6 extend substantially perpendicular with respect to the retaining elements 4, and each is formed by a support beam which may for example be metallic.

According to the first embodiment, each retaining element 4 comprises more particularly a first end portion 4 a fastened on the first support element 5, and a second end portion 4 b fastened on the second support element 6, and the first and second end portions 4 a, 4 b of each retaining element 4 are fastened on the first and second support elements 5, 6 via fastening calipers 7 having a U-like general shape. To this end, each of the first and second support elements 5, 6 includes immobilizing legs 8 (shown more particularly in FIG. 2) distributed along the respective support element and each provided with a passage orifice 9, and each fastening caliper 7 includes a two lateral branches 11 configured to extend through a pair of passage orifices 9 provided on the respective support element. Advantageously, each lateral branch 11 is provided with a thread, and is configured to be immobilized on the respective immobilizing leg 8 using a fastening nut 12 capable of cooperating with the thread provided thereon.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 1 and 3, the retaining structure 3 further comprises a first bearing element 13 and a second bearing element 14 disposed respectively on the first and second support elements 5, 6, and configured to bear on the ground. Each of the first and second bearing elements 13, 14 may be attached, for example in a removable manner, on the respective support element.

In addition, the retaining device 2 comprises a fastening assembly 15 intended to be fastened to an upstream anchoring point disposed upstream of the retaining structure 3, and configured to connect the retaining structure 3 to the upstream anchoring point. The fastening assembly 15 is disposed at the upstream side of the retaining structure 3.

More particularly, the fastening assembly 15 comprises an upstream fastening element 16 intended to be fastened to the upstream anchoring point, and a plurality of connecting elements 17 configured to connect the retaining structure 3 to the upstream fastening element 16. Advantageously, the fastening assembly 15 is devoid of any retaining bar arranged to retain the retaining structure 3 and to connect the retaining structure 3 to the upstream fastening element 16. Thus, the upstream fastening element 16 is connected to the retaining structure 3 only by the connecting elements 17. For example, the upstream fastening element 16 may delimit a retaining passage, and be formed in particular by a fastening shackle.

Each connecting element 17 is flexible and elongate, and comprises a first end portion 17 a fastened to the retaining structure 3, and a second end portion 17 b opposite to the respective first end portion and fastened to the upstream fastening element 16. According to the first embodiment, each connecting element 17 is formed by a metallic link cable, and each of the first and second end portions 17 a, 17 b of each connecting element 17 includes a fastening loop.

According to the first embodiment, the fastening assembly 15 comprises more specifically a first pair of connecting elements 17 whose first ends 17 a are connected to the first support element 5 and a second pair of connecting elements 17 whose first ends 17 a are connected to the second support element 6, and the connecting elements 17 are configured to form, under conditions of use, a pyramidal structure whose apex is oriented in the direction of the upstream fastening element 16.

According to the first embodiment, the first support element 5 includes a first fastening portion 18 and a second fastening portion 19 longitudinally shifted with respect to each other, and the second support element 6 includes a first fastening portion 21 and a second fastening portion 22 longitudinally shifted with respect to each other. The connecting elements 17 of the first pair are connected respectively to the first and second fastening portions 18, 19 provided on the first support element 5, and the connecting elements 17 of the second pair are connected respectively to the first and second fastening portions 21, 22 provided on the second support element 6. Advantageously, the first fastening portion 18 provided on the first support element 5 is disposed in the proximity of the first bearing element 13, and the first fastening portion 21 provided on the second support element 6 is disposed in the proximity of the second bearing element 14. In addition, the distance between the first and second fastening portions 18, 19 is advantageously substantially identical to the distance between the first and second fastening portions 21, 22.

The retaining device 2 further comprises a retaining assembly 23 intended to be fastened to a downstream anchoring point disposed downstream of the retaining structure 3, and configured to hold the retaining structure 3 in position. The retaining assembly 23 is disposed at the downstream side of the retaining structure 3. More particularly, the retaining assembly 23 comprises a downstream fastening element 24 intended to be fastened to the upstream anchoring point, and a plurality of holding elements 25 configured to connect the retaining structure 3 to the downstream fastening element 24 and to hold the retaining structure 3 in position.

Each holding element 25 is flexible and elongate, and comprises a first end portion 25 a fastened to the retaining structure 3, and a second end portion 25 b opposite to the respective first end portion and fastened to the downstream fastening element 24. According to the first embodiment, each holding element 25 is formed by a metallic holding cable, and each of the first and second end portions 25 a, 25 b of each holding element 25 includes a holding loop.

According to the first embodiment, the retaining assembly 23 comprises two holding elements 25, the first end portion 25 a of one of the holding elements 25 being connected to the second fastening portion 19 provided on the first support element 5, and the first end portion 25 a of the other one of the holding elements 25 being connected to the second fastening portion 22 provided on the second support element 6.

According to the first embodiment, the first fastening portion 18 includes a fastening leg 26 equipped with a fastening member 27 on which is fastened the first end portion 17 a of the respective connecting element 17, and the second fastening portion 19 includes a first fastening leg 28 equipped with a fastening member 29 on which is fastened the first end portion 17 a of the respective connecting element 17, and a second fastening leg 31 equipped with a fastening member 32 on which is fastened the first end portion 25 a of the respective holding element 25. Similarly, the first fastening portion 21 includes a fastening leg 33 equipped with a fastening member 34 on which is fastened the first end portion 17 a of the respective connecting element 17, and the second fastening portion 22 includes a first fastening leg 35 equipped with a fastening member 36 on which is fastened the first end portion 17 a of the respective connecting element 17, and a second fastening leg 37 equipped with a fastening member 38 on which is fastened the first end portion 25 a of the respective holding element 25.

For example, each fastening member 27, 29, 34, 36 may be pivotally mounted on the respective fastening leg about a pivot axis, and delimit a retaining passage receiving the first end portion 17 a of the respective connecting element 17. Similarly, each fastening member 32, 38 may for example be pivotally mounted on the respective fastening leg about a pivot axis, and delimit a retaining passage receiving the first end portion 25 a of the respective holding element 25. For example, each fastening member 27, 29, 32, 34, 36, 38 may be formed by a fastening shackle.

FIGS. 6 to 9 represent a retaining device 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the retaining structure 3 further comprises a first reinforcing element 41 configured to connect the first fastening portion 18 provided on the first support element 5 to the second fastening portion 22 provided on the second support element 6, and a second reinforcing element 42 configured to connect the second fastening portion 19 provided on the first support element 5 to the first fastening portion 21 provided on the second support element 6. Advantageously, each of the first and second reinforcing elements 41, 42 is flexible and elongate. Each of the first and second reinforcing elements 41, 42 may be formed by a reinforcing cable, for example metallic.

The retaining device 2 according to the second embodiment further differs from the first embodiment in that the first and second support elements 5, 6 respectively include first and second support beams made of wood, and in that the first and second fastening portions 18, 19, 21, 22 are metallic and attached on the wood-made support beams.

The retaining device 2 according to the second embodiment of the invention also differs from the first embodiment in that the retaining elements 4 are fastened by screwing on the first and second support elements 5, 6.

FIG. 10 represents a retaining device 2 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the retaining structure 3 comprises a retaining net 43 instead of the retaining elements 4, and in that the first and second support elements 5, 6 are interlaced and form a cross, and in that the holding assembly 23 includes one single holding element 25 whose first end portion 25 a is connected at the level of the cross area of the first and second support elements 5, 6.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the sole embodiments of this retaining device, described hereinabove as examples, but it comprises, on the contrary, all variants thereof. 

1. A device for retaining materials, including: a retaining structure configured to retain materials, a fastening assembly intended to be fastened to an upstream anchoring point disposed upstream of the retaining structure, the fastening assembly being configured to connect the retaining structure to the upstream anchoring point, the fastening assembly comprising a plurality of connecting elements, each connecting element being flexible and elongate, and comprising a first end portion connected to the retaining structure and a second end portion opposite to the respective first end portion and intended to be connected to the upstream anchoring point, the connecting elements being configured to form, in use, a pyramidal structure whose apex is oriented in the direction of the upstream anchoring point, and at least one holding element configured to hold the retaining structure in position, the at least one holding element comprising a first end portion connected to the retaining structure and a second end portion opposite to the respective first end portion and intended to be connected to a downstream anchoring point disposed downstream of the retaining structure.
 2. The device for retaining materials according to claim 1, wherein the fastening assembly comprises an upstream fastening element intended to be fastened to the upstream anchoring point, each connecting element being configured to connect the retaining structure to the upstream fastening element.
 3. The device for retaining materials according to claim 2, wherein the upstream fastening element is connected to the retaining structure only by the connecting elements.
 4. The device for retaining materials according to claim 1, wherein the fastening assembly is devoid of any retaining bar arranged to retain the retaining structure and to connect the retaining structure to the upstream anchoring point.
 5. The device for retaining materials according to claim 1, wherein the at least one holding element is flexible and elongate.
 6. The device for retaining materials according to claim 1, wherein the retaining structure comprises at least one retaining element configured to retain materials, and first and second support elements configured to support the at least one retaining element.
 7. The device for retaining materials according to claim 6, wherein the first and second support elements extend substantially parallel to each other.
 8. The device for retaining materials according to claim 6, wherein the retaining structure includes a plurality of retaining elements extending substantially parallel to each other.
 9. The device for retaining materials according to claim 6, wherein the fastening assembly comprises first and second pairs of connecting elements, each connecting element of the first pair being connected to the first support element and each connecting element of the second pair being connected to the second support element.
 10. The device for retaining materials according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second support elements includes first and second fastening portions shifted with respect to each other, the connecting elements of the first pair being connected respectively to the first and second fastening portions (18, 19) provided on the first support element, the connecting elements of the second pair being connected respectively to the first and second fastening portions provided on the second support element.
 11. The device for retaining materials according to claim 10, which comprises two holding elements, one being connected to the second fastening portion (19) provided on the first support element, the other being connected to the second fastening portion provided on the second support element.
 12. The device for retaining materials according to claim 1, wherein the retaining structure includes first and second bearing elements configured to bear on the ground.
 13. The device for retaining materials according to claim 2, wherein the fastening assembly is devoid of any retaining bar arranged to retain the retaining structure and to connect the retaining structure to the upstream anchoring point.
 14. The device for retaining materials according to claim 3, wherein the fastening assembly is devoid of any retaining bar arranged to retain the retaining structure and to connect the retaining structure to the upstream anchoring point.
 15. The device for retaining materials according to claim 2, wherein the at least one holding element is flexible and elongate.
 16. The device for retaining materials according to claim 3, wherein the at least one holding element is flexible and elongate.
 17. The device for retaining materials according to claim 4, wherein the at least one holding element is flexible and elongate.
 18. The device for retaining materials according to claim 14, wherein the at least one holding element is flexible and elongate.
 19. The device for retaining materials according to claim 18, wherein the retaining structure comprises at least one retaining element configured to retain materials, and first and second support elements configured to support the at least one retaining element.
 20. The device for retaining materials according to claim 19, wherein the first and second support elements extend substantially parallel to each other. 